Jumping into SE tube amps. Suggestions?


After having purchased a small integrated tube amp for my son, I find myself wishing to venture into the SE tube amp world. I own an SF Line 3 pre, but am for the most part a tube novice. The Cary SE amps interest me, the 300SE caught my eye, but I have "0" listening experience with any tube amps and don’t really wish to limit possibilities based on manufacturer or output tube type. My taste in music is very much varied. I don't wish to assemble this system based on a specific musical style, but if I were to pick a specific genre that I listen to the most, it would be the Blues, Jazz a close second. After reading many of the threads on tube amps, I realize that there may be trade-offs, and a little loss of bottom end could be tolerated, but I still like to hear the “Big Drum” move the room in the “Blue Man Group” CD. Don't know if this is going to be possible without a sub, but give it your best shot.

To make this an even more open ended proposition, I would most likely have to replace, or purchase a second pair of (hope "she" doesn't read this!) speakers, as the Aerial 10t's are not going to like a 5-15 watt tube amp. So, if you have suggestions as to high sensitivity, high impedance speakers that work well with a specific SE tube amp, I welcome those suggestions as well. Please, no horns need apply.

Total cost? Let’s try and keep it <3k (used) for amp(s), and if you wish to recommend a speaker, <3k (used) as well.

Bottleheads, let’s hear from you. Thanks all.
massvm

Showing 5 responses by massvm

Jaica beat me to the punch on finding information about he new Coincidents. Thanks again, Leafs.
Trelja, did you ever assemble your SET room? When I was searching yesterday, I came across a post where you talked about it.
Thanks all for the participation and recommendations. Time to start looking and listening. I'll be sure to let you know which way I decided, and hopefully provide y'all with some feedback.
Asa, I was wondering if I was going to have a problem with the Line 3. Thanks for the heads up. Mayhaps some more thinking on how to best implement the SET rig is in order? Perhaps a redistribution of $$ to try and squeeze in a different pre? Still thinking.